Everyone shot to their feet, different levels of confusion written on their faces as McGregor burst into the room accompanied by two other officers. On a closer inspection, Luke realised that he had two bloodied scratches on his cheeks and his once pristine white shirt had dirt spots.“What the hell is going on here, McGregor? What is this?” Lord George was the first to speak up. Luke watched impatiently as the detective walked further into the room and dumped his briefcase on the table.“What happened is that my car was run off the road by a hit and run driver a few minutes ago.”Luke blinked in shock.“What? How?”McGregor paused.“Trust me, I do not have the answer to that question, but I’m sure the people who hired the driver do.”“What are you saying? Who hired the driver?” Lord George asked.McGregor focused his attention on Luke.“They’re right in this room, your lordships. I’m honestly wondering why they haven’t spoken up by now.”Stone cold silence instantly reigned in the
Danny and David looked like their most precious dog just died. David completely forgot about his brother, leaving him to groan alone on the ground in pain.“Five hundred million dollars?” He whispered. “How do you expect us to pay you so much money? We can’t afford that.”“David!” Danny interrupted in a warning tone. “Be careful what you say.”The signs of distress on David’s face burned brighter at that biting reprimand. He shot his brother a stiff, dark look.“I’m telling the truth, Danny. Don’t you think it’s high time you stopped your stupid games?”Luke watched the exchange with rapt attention and mounting confusion.“What games are you talking about?” He finally asked.“Don’t tell him anything.” Danny wheezed, giving his brother a cryptic look. “Remember that he’s not on our side. Don’t say anything.”David looked really indecisive. At that moment, Luke knew he’d be easy to manipulate.“Tell me the truth, David, and maybe I’ll be willing to help you. What games are you talking a
The flashing lights of cameras and shouts from media men and women rent the air. Luke leaned against the leather seat of his Limousine and shut his eyes, wishing Nina was there to hold his hand and lead him through this. Unfortunately, she’d gone to visit her pregnant cousin and best friend at far away Birmingham and wasn’t able to make it.Today was the day of the press conference. The day Luke’s innocence will finally be announced before the entire world. The day everyone will realise they’d accused him wrongly. Today was the day. His driver finally came around and pulled his door open, exposing Luke to the shouts and screams of the journalists. The moment his Tom Fords touched the ground, cameras began to flash anew and everyone started speaking on top of one another.“Look this way, your lordship.”“What fashion brand are you wearing tonight, your lordship?”“Is it true that you’re here to confess to your crimes?”“Are you here to relinquish your office as the head of the Diamon
“Is he awake?” The first voice asked.“No, I don’t think so.” Another voice replied. “We need to wake him up before the boss arrives.”Luke laid stiffly on the ground, trying not to move a single muscle. Although he could hear the people above him loud and clear, he did not want to alert them to the fact that he was actually awake. “How do we wake him, then? He’s not even moving.” The first voice asked.“Water. We need water.”The ground underneath Luke’s back felt like a collection of sharp rocks. The stones dug sharply through his suit and into the skin of his back, adding more discomfort to the pain he already felt.He took a deep breath but his throat and mouth felt like sandpaper. He finally tried to move but pain erupted from his hands, legs and back, causing him to wrinkle his face in discomfort. He was just about to struggle to his feet when he heard heavy, booted footsteps slowly approach. Before Luke could lift a finger, cold, freezing water rained down on him, soaking thr
Lucas did not bother explaining himself. He turned to his men, his face radiating a cold, dangerous darkness.“The wounds on his face and body. Whose responsible?”Luke rolled his eyes, wondering at the need for all the exaggerated questions when he already knew Lucas had ordered his men to attack him. The man was simply a hypocrite.“I asked a question, damnit!” He roared, causing the men to tremble in fear. “Who did this? I need answers. Now!”Both men bowed their heads in respect but the first msn was the first to speak up.“We b-both did, boss. We’re sorry.”Luke blinked in shock. He’s sorry? For what?Lucas fisted his hands by his sides.“What were my orders? Repeat them right now.”When both men hesitated, Lucas dipped a hand into his pocket and produced a silver object which he aimed at the men.It took Luke a few seconds too long to realize that it was a gun. At the sight of the gleaming metal, Luke took a hesitant step backwards while both goons raised their hands above thei
Luke refused to be intimidated. He raised his chin and stared Lucas down.“What the heck is that supposed to mean? I already told you, that’s my title.”Lucas shrugged and settled more comfortably against the leather seats.“Your title.” He scoffed. “We’ll see.”Luke balled his fingers and focused on breathing deeply to keep himself from flipping out.“I’ll see.” He repeated as calmly as he could. “Is that a threat?”Lucas finally turned towards him, pinning him in place with those cold, sharp grey eyes.“Whether my words will be a threat totally depends on you, brother. Trust me.”Luke opened his mouth to speak but Lucas cut him off with a slight wave of his left hand.“Let it be.” He growled. “Stop trying to pick a fight where there’s none.”Luke blinked, his eyes shining with incredulity.“I was in my lane when you sent your goons to crash my car. I was in my lane when you kidnapped me, made me go through the traumatic experience of watching you literally butcher a human being and
“You both met barely an hour ago and you're already going at each other’s throats.”“Grandpa!” Lucas all but squealed. “What a lovely surprise.”If looks could kill, Lucas would already be six feet under. Grandpa shot him a hard glare.“Show your brother some respect, Lucas George… he’s older than you after all.”Lord George’s words dropped in the room like a perfectly detonated bomb. Without saying another word, the older man turned around and made his way into the lounge.Luke remained completely frozen to the spot, his heart afraid to believe what he’d just heard.Lucas followed after Lord George, whining about something. Meanwhile, Luke was unable to move. Blood whooshed so loudly in his ears, it drowned out the sounds of anything else.He finally snapped back to reality when the housekeeper returned to clean up the broken glass. He shook his head, trying to clear his befuddled brain and finally made his way to the lounge.When he walked in, Lord George and Lucas were already sea
“You said it's not safe for him out here. Why did he come back?” Luke asked his grandfather.Lord George took his seat and stared at his weathered fingers for a few seconds.“Were you ever going to tell me that the Rydlings approached you?” He asked quietly.A pang of guilt reverberated through Luke's chest. He swallowed hard.“The elders said you were not supposed to know for your own safety. They lied to me.”Lord George nodded.“Good. I asked them to.”Luke’s eyes widened in surprise.“Excuse me?”“I tested you and you passed with flying colours. It shows you’re trustworthy. You will never betray the clan. Even for family.”Luke’s anger was slowly returning.“I am not some kind of lab rat, grandpa.” He said through gritted teeth. “I did not keep this secret from you out of any form of twisted loyalty to the Rydlings. I kept it a secret because I thought I was keeping you safe.”“You don't mean that.” Lord George said hesitantly.“I mean every single word, grandpa. Did you ever stop